[Tucker]

If this question has been posted before I haven't found it so I apologize upfront. I have a group of users that would prefer to only use their BlackBerries for email and calendar information. I have a BES server so is it possible to configure the BlackBerry to just communicate with the BES and not have to have phone, messaging, or Internet communications?

[hdawg]

You could use BES with a WLAN, or just have users sync with the Destop Mangler

[penguin3107]

You can use a WiFi blackberry, such as the 7270.
I don't think those were very popular and I think they've been discontinued.
Might be hard to find.

[Tucker]

I have 7250s I can give these users. So I can set them up with the Desktop Manager but not the BES or can I use the BES also?

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by Tucker

I have 7250s I can give these users. So I can set them up with the Desktop Manager but not the BES or can I use the BES also?

No, the 7250 will require a carrier. Verizon or Sprint.
You need a WLAN blackberry if you want to go carrierless.

If you just want a calendar... then you can use the 7250. E-mail is going to require a WLAN BlackBerry, or a BlackBerry with an active data plan on a wireless carrier.

[Tucker]

Interesting...Thanks for the quick replies.

[ladydi]

I'm with you Tucker. I have users who only need WLAN. But I want them to have one of the newer (8700 or 8800) BB's. I had hope for the 8820 until I saw that they require a BB data plan to use the device. I will keep hoping that RIM will eventually provide a newer WLAN device that doesn't require a carrier.

[Frank Castle]

Wouldn't that be any device that just syncs locally with your mail client? You can get a cheap Palm and you have what you described. Removing the aspect of wireless kinda defeats the purpose of the Blackberry?

Now a Blackberry with a wifi chip and no carrier would be something interesting .. I can pretty much get a open connection anywhere

[ladydi]

Syncing locally is the part I hate. I hate the added software that inavariably freaks out and the micro management of the PDA's. BB with wifi and no carrier is exactly what I am looking for.

I also like the idea of having the option to add the carrier service though if any of my users start to need BB service in the field. I don't want to have to switch their device out. So basically, I am crossing my fingers that we can get 8820's to work without carrier service.

[Frank Castle]

Would the wifi remain encrypted? I'll have to look into the 8820 more.

[ladydi]

From the bits I read on RIM's site, the device supports encryption.

[hdawg]

Can I get a side of bits with my bytes please? I love the bits.

[ladydi]

lol. I didn't catch my own pun